White wines dominate this area. The Sauvignon Blanc from Upper Loire is fresh, light, and aromatic. A small amount of rosé- and red wines are made as well.
The history of wine in this area is historical. The vines brought here by the Romans were then developed by the monks of the Dark Ages, and then damaged by the phylloxera vastatrix.
The area at the banks of the Loire and its neighbors begins north of Nevers and stretches to the river's delta into the Atlantic. The soil conditions are variable. The climate is mild by the rivers, but still cool enough to give the wines their freshness.
The quality of Loire sways a bit - from dry white and red wines to sweet and storable wins are made here. The area Vouvray is known for its somewhat sweet sparkling wines, that are made the Champagne method. In the West the white Muscadet is coming forth. The vines Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Muscadet, Romorantin, Gros Plant, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d'Aunis and Groslot are grown. Chardonnay is increasing.
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